Snapchat has launched Topic Chats, a feature that enables public conversations around trending events and topics. While Snapchat has primarily focused on private messaging, the company observed that users often comment publicly on Stories and Spotlight content. Topic Chats aim to organize these public discussions in a structured way.
Snapchat Topic Chats
Topic Chats are integrated across Snapchat in Chat shortcuts, search, the Stories page, and Spotlight videos. Users can join a conversation by tapping a yellow “Join the Chat” button displayed on a Story or Spotlight video. The feature clusters Snaps related to the topic, allowing users to explore visual content alongside the ongoing discussion.
Features of Topic Chats
- Public engagement: Allows users to comment on trending events and topics.
- Visual clustering: Snaps related to a topic are grouped together for easy exploration.
- Friend visibility: Users can see if their friends are participating in a chat.
- Chat prioritization: Chats joined appear at the top of the user’s Topic Chat page.
- Moderation: All Topic Chats are moderated to maintain safety and appropriateness.
- Privacy: Profiles remain private from users who are not friends, preventing unwanted friending or direct messages.
Availability
Topic Chats will gradually roll out to Snapchat users in Canada, New Zealand, and the US over the coming weeks.